How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Oakland, California

Overshadowed by the neighboring tourism Mecca of San Francisco, the City of Oakland isn’t seen by many as a compelling weekend destination. Those that do make the trip, however, will find warmer weather and easier parking than SF has to offer, plus a host of interesting attractions and diverse neighborhoods.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Plane tickets
• Sports tickets
• Camera
• Luggage
• Rental car
• Hotel reservation
• Walking shoes
• Map
• Theater tickets

1. See one of the Bay Area’s finest museums by stopping by the Oakland Museum of California. The superb permanent collections focus on art and artifacts of the state, including a Natural Sciences Gallery with more than two thousand natural specimens. A host of changing exhibits really mixes it up, with photography, masks, even "art cars" decorated over every inch.
2. Take a stroll around Lake Merritt, a well-traversed lagoon near downtown. Year-round birding takes place here, and the lake is also just a great place to get some fresh air and look at some of the city’s nicer homes; young kids will love the Children’s Fairyland on site here, which includes several acres of small rides, live animals, puppet shows and more.
3. Stop by the city's busy waterfront and visit Jack London Square, loaded with seafood restaurants, name brand stores, and the infamous First and Last Chance Saloon, a tiny tavern still standing from 1880 and once frequented—and written about—by London himself.
4. Have a night out at one of the city’s famed theaters. The Paramount is an Art Deco wonder from 1931 showcasing high-level live performances; the Grand Lake Theater is one of the nation’s best places to see a film, a 1926 palace still presenting live organ music before each show.
5. Take in a game. Pro sports for all seasons are easily accessible at the Oakland Coliseum Complex, right on the BART public transportation line. Whether you’re a hardball fan (the A’s), football follower (the Raiders), or basketball booster (the Warriors), you’ll find a game here on practically any weekend.
6. Savor the area’s Asian heritage by visiting Oakland's Chinatown, a grittier, more authentic neighborhood than its touristy San Francisco counterpart. Bordered by Lake Merritt’s southern shores to the east and Broadway on the west, this is one of the oldest Asian neighborhoods in America and host to a handful of excellent annual events—including the StreetFest every fourth weekend of August.
7. Roll over to Rockridge. Perhaps the city’s most inviting neighborhood, Rockridge is an upscale stretch of markets, boutiques, restaurants and bars running along College Avenue at the base of the Oakland hills.

Tips & Warnings

• While much of Oakland is safe and serene, some neighborhoods—particularly East Oakland--are best avoided late at night or when you’re on your own.